Dressing for occasions in Ghana
Friday wear: mixing African prints with modern pieces
By sneakersInn team · Updated
The easiest way to mix African prints with modern pieces is one print at a time: a print shirt with plain chinos, a plain shirt with a print blazer, or a print waistcoat over a white shirt. Pull one colour from the print into the rest of your outfit and keep shoes and accessories simple. It's perfect for Friday wear and works far beyond it.
| Print piece | Wear with | Shoes |
|---|---|---|
| Print shirt | Plain navy, black or stone trousers | Loafers, leather sneakers |
| Print blazer | White shirt or tee, plain trousers | Loafers, derbies |
| Print waistcoat | White shirt, plain trousers | Derbies, loafers |
| Print trousers | Plain white or black shirt or tee | White sneakers, loafers |
| Full print outfit (matching shirt and trousers) | Nothing else patterned | Sandals, loafers |
What is Friday wear?
Ghana's government launched the National Friday Wear Programme in November 2004 to encourage workers to wear clothes made from local fabrics on Fridays and to support the textile industry (Christian Science Monitor, 2004). Many offices still observe it, and print shirts and smocks are common on Fridays.
Which prints are common?
- Wax prints: bold, colourful cotton prints, the most common in everyday wear.
- Kente: hand-woven strip cloth with symbolic patterns, for ceremonies.
- Adinkra: stamped symbols, traditionally linked to funerals and proverbs.
- Batakari or fugu: hand-woven striped cloth from northern Ghana, made into smocks.
How do I choose a print?
Choose a print with at least one colour you already wear a lot, such as navy, black or olive, so it goes with your trousers and shoes. Smaller patterns are easier for the office; bolder ones for events.
How should a print shirt fit?
Like any good shirt: shoulders on your shoulders, fitted body, sleeves to the wrist or short sleeves to mid-bicep. A tailor-made print shirt fitted to you looks far better than a loose one. See how to work with a tailor in Accra.
Five modern looks
- Print short-sleeve shirt, navy chinos, white leather sneakers.
- White shirt, print waistcoat, black trousers, black loafers.
- Print blazer, black tee, black jeans, black leather sneakers.
- Plain smock, dark jeans, brown leather sandals.
- Matching print shirt and trousers, plain leather loafers.
Is it appropriate for church and events?
Yes. Print and traditional outfits are welcome at church, weddings and engagements. See church outfits for men.
Questions
Can I mix two prints?
It's harder. If you do, keep one large and one small, and share a colour.
Can I wear print with a suit?
A print pocket square or tie with a plain suit is an easy start.